Bjørnøya / Bear Island
The approach to Bjørnøya / Bear Island was much anticipated. Those of us abed and off watch were called as requested.
We scrambled bleary eyed from our bunks out into a slight drizzling rain only to be faced with a wall of cloud obscuring the great cliffs of the coast.
Birds filled the air, flocks settled on the calm waters while squadrons of Little Auks flew in formations. We peered into the gloom of the grey sky, hiding our disappointment that this was all we might see.
Above us there appeared a patch of blue sky that reflected in a stretch of water close to the island. Then magically the wreaths of mist and clouds swirled away, lifting and evaporating to reveal the massive cliff faces. The air was full of Grey Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Little Auks and Guillimots, engaged in the midsummer task of feeding chicks.
The sunlight fell through this gap right in front of us. It was as if the island might permit us this one view of its majestic beauty .
In the cove of Sorhamna a diminutive yacht was moored, what an anchorage to rest in!
A muted cloudy rainbow arced across the sky more birds flew across its path of silver light, emphasising the speed and agility of their flight.
Pictures by K. Perdigón
This sighting was ephemeral and emotional, those of us uninitiated to Bjørnøya its extraordinary high cliffs and rolling headlands, and some of the crew delved into memories of past visits.
For all of us it was a highlight of this voyage. Within 20 minutes the clouds and fog drew in to shroud the island and wrap it away like a mysterious secret.
Jennifer Coombs, Delivery crew.
Bear Island, 5th July 2021
